Boyfriend charged in death of woman who was found dismembered in New York City apartment

The boyfriend of a 22-year-old female who was found dismembered inside suitcases at a New York City apartment in September has been charged in her death.

Justin Williams, 24, was arrested Monday and charged with one count of second-degree murder and one count of concealment of a human corpse in the death of D’Asia Johnson, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced. 

 “This defendant is accused of the horrific murder and dismemberment of his former girlfriend. While we can’t erase the tragic and cruel death of D’Asia Johnson, we are fully committed to bringing this defendant to justice. I hope that this prosecution brings a measure of solace to D’Asia’s family and friends,” Gonzalez said in a statement. 

Johnson’s remains were discovered on Sept. 22 when New York City police officers were sent to an apartment complex in Brooklyn to perform a wellness check. When officers arrived to the apartment, human remains were found in two suitcases, police said. 

Gonzalez said the investigation found Johnson returned home from work on Aug. 21 and “never exited the apartment again.” Williams, who had dated Johnson for several years, allegedly stabbed her nine times in the early morning hours of Aug. 22, investigators said.

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Afterwards, authorities said Williams dismembered Johnson’s body before concealing the parts in the suitcases.

Williams, of Manhattan, then lived in the apartment for a month after Johnson’s death, and used towels and cleaning products to mask the smell, authorities said. 

WABC reported in September residents of the apartment complex reported a foul smell coming from the apartment, noting Johnson hadn’t been seen in several days. Authorities said Williams fled the apartment after building personnel called police, as WABC also reported a security guard allegedly saw Williams and another man leave the apartment before police arrived.